Orthodox treatment
Some epileptic attacks can be traced to a brain tumour, an abnormal set of blood vessels, or a scar on the brain and occasionally these can be removed surgically, with good results.
Where there is no identifiable physical abnormality triggering the fits, the treatment of epilepsy is by using one of ihe many anti-epileptic drugs available, such as phenyloin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, sodium valproate, vigabatrin, primidone, clonazepam or ethosuximide, These are often used in combination.
Self-help
Epileptic attacks are usually random, but in some people can be triggered by external events. Flashing lights are one; going without food is another; becoming stressed a third. It’s interesting again how closely the diggers for epilepsy mirror the triggers for migraine. Once you know your triggers, then try to avoid them. However, this isn’t always possible, and sometimes conditions at work – especially lighting – can increase the possibility of epileptic attacks occurring.
Flicker can be a potent trigger lor fits, and one potential cause is the television/computer VDU. Have you ever been in a darkened room where the only source of light has been a television? If the room is lit only by the television, this means that the whole room is flickering. Watching television like this may precipitate an attack in those who are susceptible. Therefore, always have a light on in the room where you are watching television, as this prevents the flicker between bright and dark.
Working with a VDU, especially one in which there is high contrast, can also cause fits, particularly at those times when the screen is changing quickly. One note, though: flicker is reduced when contrast is reduced. Simply turning down the contrast and turning up the brightness may make all the difference between a screen that triggers off epileptic attacks and one that doesn’t.
The final self-help technique is to accept with good grace that you have epileptic attacks and that you may have problems for some considerable time. Don’t try and give up your epileptic medication without consulting your doctor. In fact, try to take your medication as regularly as possible, because the more constant the supply of anti-epileptic drugs in your bloodstream, the less likely it is that you will have any attacks.
Complementary treatment
Currently under investigation is the role of Vitamin E in controlling seizures. It has been reported that epileptic children have abnormally low levels of Vitamin E; until this research is confirmed, it certainly won’t hurt to ensure that you have an adequate intake. Vitamin E occurs naturally in foods like wheatgerm, apples, spinach and eggs.
Supplemental taurine, an amino acid, seems to he beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy. Studies are being carried out to see whether this acid can in fact be more useful than standard anti-convulsants.
Bach flower remedies can be rubbed gently into the temples and other pulse points of someone suffering seizure : these flowers have a soothing effect, and prevent shock and anxiety from setting in. Constitutional use of the remedies may also prevent an attack, if emotions are a trigger.
Constitutional treatment by a homoeopath might be successful. Specific remedies may include ignatia, belladonna, or aconite.
Vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium and zinc supplementation have proved helpful in some cases but Vitamin B6 can be toxic in excess: consult a registered practitioner for advice first. Reflexology may prevent attacks in epilepsy-prone patients, with specific massage and affirmation. Dance/music therapies can control stress, which often precipitates an attack. Any relaxation techniques will be useful in dealing with stress.
Finally, although a registered aromatherapist can suggest a specific oil, or blend of oils, suitable for treating the precursors to, and the effects of, an epileptic attack, this treatment must always be supervised. There are a number of essential oils that can provoke a fit in epileptics, and these are: fennel, hyssop, wormwood, sage and rosemary. Lavender, however, is said to be anticonvulsive and can he safely taken, a few drops at a time, in the bath.
Herbalists might suggest camomile tea, or roman camomile essence, to encourage relaxation; see the suggestions for tension headaches, on page 601, for further ideas about how to encourage relaxation, and prevent tension developing, which may be a triggerfor attacks.
Cranial osteopathy claims to help epileptics by reducing the tension in the muscles of the skull, and encouraging the patient to relax
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